The Pierce County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved an increase in hours from 28 to 40 for Linda Hoyt, drug court coordinator.

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The move was made due to the increased number of participants since the program started. It was also said the increase in Hoyt's hours could allow for even more participants, which has the potential to save the county money. The figure was projected to be as much as $405,984 per year in costs for jail and other county services for clients who would otherwise be incarcerated.

The increase in Hoyt's salary will come from funds in the current OWI surcharge revenues. The change became effective the first of this month.

Supervisors also approved the creation of a Land Information Council, made up of the following members: Vicki Nelson, Register of Deeds, Phyllis Beastrom, Treasurer, Annette Langer, Real Property Lister, Andy Pichotta, Land Management Director, Bill Dravis, Public Safety/Emergency Communications Representative, Louis Filkins, Surveyor, Dave Murphy, Realtor, Rod Rommel, county board representative and Jeff Olson, public representative. The council was created so the county can apply for program grants and other benefits.

The board also received monthly updates from each department. Among the notables were:

--The sheriff's department dispatch receiving 2,794 service calls in August, an average of 90 calls a day.

--The Material Recovery Facility had a 23rd consecutive month in which it experienced an increase in materials processed. Officials also said the facility is on pace to establish record highs for recyclable material processed and marketed.

Jason Schulte is a reporter for the New Richmond News since February 2015. Prior to that he spent eight years at the Pierce County Herald in Ellsworth. His duties with the News will include covering news out of Hammond and Roberts along with action from St. Croix County court system. He lives in Roberts.